The Blog-a-day Challenge

Official Start Time: 11:57 pm
Date: 7/9/08
Official End Time: 12:22 am

*Today's day has so many ups and downs that I am not sure if I want to write it down . . . but I must or they will kill me. Maybe I can find some happiness out of today?*

As usual today started with pump problems that again ruined my reputation in China. Several attempts were made throughout the night and in the morning but with no avail. Fortunately I didn't run into DKA, but got all of the same scoldings as usual. I know things were going to head south and fast so I decided to take the bullet and just say it's my fault. No one or nothing can cover me this time.

The day started with a welcoming exercise in which we all had to say our name, play with holla-hoops, and balls. After the exercise I decide the plunge had to be taken and told Ms. V to get me a pack of needles for "emergency" when in reality to substitute the pump.

We soon began to play games but I was more focused on getting a needle and not vomiting . . . when I did get a needle I got some insulin and dropped the rest on my pants. Soon enough I started to feel sick and got Steve really mad at me to the point where he couldn't look at me.

*Never again will I ask Steve for a favor/go on another trip to prevent him the pain and suffering. I don't blame him for being mad and feel that I have let him and my doctor down as a person and a diabetic. I cannot call myself Hector Guzman till I make things right.

Snow was in the middle of a movie when they called her to get my medicine. As usual I ruin Snow's day with all this crap. I have to make sure I repay her someway that she won't forget. When we finally did reach Snow's house, I got to take a shot of insulin and was better rather quickly. Ms. V, Eileen, and Jay however didn't leave till 4:30 wanting to make sure my BG was perfect.

In between that time we talked about my negligence as a person and how Steve would kill me. Everyone kept on saying that Snow is too nice and that I should marry her. Get her a green card to repay her for her services. I think Snow is amazing and wouldn't mind being her husband, but maybe when I have $, and my diabetes doesn't kill her. I am however thinking of getting Snow a jade necklace. I'm looking to spend 300-400 but might go over with a journal and several other tiny gifts. Snow right now means the world to me and makes me feel bad that the only way we connect is by my diabetes. We both love books and could talk for hours. Hopefully I'll learn Chinese and be able to make her feel better.

Around 5:44 we had dinner at which I tried to eat as little and as simple as possible. Then from dinner we went shopping for groceries and later souvenirs. I tried to ask Snow in a casual way what kind of jewelry she likes saying it was for my sister. So far I got nice piece of green stone (jade) on a silver chain.

Around 8 we caught a movie together called the Red Cliff. This was initially the movie Snow was seeing in the beginning. I tried to make her as comfortable as possible providing some conversation and blocking the graphic parts. It was exciting and fun at the same time.

At 10:30 we finally got home and I ate just a bit. Now I am ending today's entry on the happier notes than the sad, depressing, dishonoring ones. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Hector Guzman
7/10/08 12:22 am

This entry shows me at my lowest point on this trip and probably at my most vulnerable.

I had gotten sick a second time in this entry and on the day of just writing about how I had gotten better. I did miss a day and will try to recap it the best I can in my next entry.

My morale at this point is really low and there is really no one else I can blame. I brought this on myself and regret all the pain I caused. I could apologize all day but feel that there would be no actual way of making things right. What has happened has happened and I can only move forward and try to make things right some other way.

I feel bad how I ruined Snow's life in general on the trip. The poor girl came to relax and was then burdened with having to take care of me. I feel like I practically killed her after getting sick the second time and was reassure by those on the trip saying, "Nice one dumass".

Hopefully I will learn from this experience and be able to make things right.

Official Start Time: 6:12 am
Date: 7/9/08
Official End Time: 7:17 am

It has been over 4 days since I last made an entry and with good reason. The last time I wrote in this journal it was after the 1s day we spent with the Chinese students at dinner. The tone of that entry was bitter and without justification. I jumped to assumptions without giving people a fair chance to prove what they're really like. I guess I should fill in why such a change in attitude over the last couple of days and why I show so much respect for the Chinese people we are staying with.

Around 2 days ago we were on a long bus ride in which we all got to mingle with the Chinese students. Alex soon became the center of attention showing people how to play cards and learning Chinese from each of the other students.

Around 10:00 we finally reach our destination and we're asked if we would like some dinner. Being Americans as well as being guest we accepted. We soon found a spot that served dumplings where we were able to talk and take small bites of food. From this night I get ill and fell into DKA; which I am not totally sure of since they first gave me the wrong medicine which made me throw up.

The next morning I wake up feeling ill and was sure that I would eventually barf at one point in time. Things seemed to get worse as I got closer to the mountain. My head grew heavy, I couldn't really speak, and was even more certain than ever that I would puke.

Finally, I did puke at that summit and was aided by Steve in order to get down. I was in pretty bad shape once I hit the bottom dozing off and having people talk to me to make sure they didn't lose me. Glattus (Eileen's Mom) took care of me the whole way to the hospital making me check my blood sugar making sure that something was done. She kept asking me questions and was very attentive with everything that I or others said.

When we finally did reach the hospital they were confused (doctors) as to what to do with me. I explained I was a diabetic with high blood sugars and needed an IV drip. That was taken the other way around by which they gave me pills which made me throw up and raised my blood sugar. At this point I was stuck in the hospital for a 2 day visit with Mr. Wilmarth, Mr. Chen and Snow. The three took care of me day in and day out making me drink water as much as I could.

Around 10:00 pm the hospital shut down and madness began to spread. I awoke to Steve's voice at that he was talking to Estrada about my numbers and which step to take next. I was hallucinating and started to think that the whole situation was a trap. I kept asking questions to make sure the people around me were the originals, but with no avail. At one point I gained somewhat consciousness and decided that I was in good hands, but not without threatening Steve to whatever happened would be on his conscious. I knew it was Steve at that moment when he kissed my head and go back to sleep you worked enough.

The next day I awoke up, my numbers were lower and I had six doctors on top of me. I soon apologized to everyone that I tried to kill the night before, but was granted the doubt for being sick. Over the next couple of hours we had to wait for the IV to finish and finally I was set free. I was a bit shaky at first having a tough time eating. But after a while things got back into their same old jig and I was on the sleeper train to Yinchuan.

It wasn't until 12 pm the next day that I finally caught up to the group. I owe a lot of thanks to their support and the support from Steve, Mr. Chen, and Snow. Snow was amazing in general helping out not only at the hospital, but in as many other places that she could. Mr. Chen made sure that I drank water and was ready for the next day. Steve was my sound board and kept on ensuring me that everything was gonna be alright.

When I finally did catch up to the group they were at lunch and looked distressed. Some had gotten dehydrated while in the dessert and weren't really to amped to eat. Tim and Eileen had gotten sick to the point were they had to stay in the hotel. As soon as I got back I was overwhelmed with stories, questions, and advise for the future. Our journey now started across the dessert through caves and forestry for a good 6 hours. Many were left without energy while I tried to be there rock and stand tall. I did a pretty good job telling people to take small swigs of water and try to see the big picture.

We finally got out of there around 6 and were on our way to the hotel for dinner which looked good, but left many unsatisfied having already eaten or too scared to take a bite. At dinner I got to meet my initial partner for this trip. His name was Leon and he was so excited to see me. I felt bad for him because I was stuck with Snow (Awesome!!) and left him without a partner. Seven turned out to be a fresh individual who stole $10 American from me . . . and refused to give it back.

Everyone soon began to mingle and was joyous the way things turned out. Jay had to switch his partner feeling lost with a 21 yr old who plays War of Warcraft all day. In the end Jay went home with Leon and worked things out for the best. Leon was happy as well as Jay. When I see Leon today I will make sure I give him a hug and special attention seeing as I almost left him without a new friend.

Now I am in Snow's room writing away the days I have missed and what is next on my agenda. Today we will probably hike a mountain and later visit a University. The sun is getting to people so the hike seems less and less attractive. Many wanted to do something in doors, but we are now forced to go up the mountain and may have the chance to visit others at the University.

Whatever comes my way I can take it.
Till Next Time, Hector Guzman
7/9/08 7:17 am

This entry is one that I truly resent throughout my journal. The piece is well written and captures some interesting points in my journey but fails to awake me for what lays ahead.

The next couple of entries after this point only seem to get worse and there is really nothing that stops me. You think that after the first time I get sick I would have the audacity to learn from my mistakes and plan better for the future. No, instead I keep convincing myself that I am stronger and can confront the next day with no issues. I simply don't face reality and take the high road and arm myself with a bottle of insulin and a syringe.

Instead I act a fool and pretend that things will get better and reject the opportunities and signs that are thrown at me. This situation then spirals and wipes out the people close to me. No longer will their trip be a vacation but instead a hemorrhoid that will keeps them up at night and has them chasing after an idiot who doesn't know when to admit he is wrong.

However my personality makes me see the glass as half full. I guess I may never learn to admit defeat but at least the next time I will be armed from the beginning. Expect the worse and prepare for the best.

Official Start Time: 5:54 am
Date: 7/5/08
Official End Time: 6:54 am

Today's journal recaps the events of 7/4/08. The day is awkward having short moments and then burst of information; so bare with me.

The day starts as usual with us waking up at 5 and moving out around 8. We had breakfast with Steve and Tim to learn that we would be meeting our Chinese counterparts today. The whole day was spent wondering if they would like us or not and if these kids would one day be our families. This dilemma followed us through most of the morning.

We took a bus to the airport around 8:30, but were confined to the vehicle for almost an hour. Check in was as usual a pain, but lost me my ice when we went through security. The insulin crisis has been just as hard forcing Steve to think for both me and the group. Ice is retrieved everyday we need to and of right now is being guarded by a man with a shot gun in front of a Coke machine.

Once on the plane it was 2 hours till we reach Xi-an. The ride had a lot of turbulence and was mixed between those sleeping, reading, and listening to music.

When we finally did leave the plane around 3 pm we again had to go through security and all the same processes at any airport. We actually had to wait a while seeing as the bus that was going to get us had broken down.

When we crossed the street to meet the bus, we saw swarms of students and adults courteous enough to treat us like kings. We got candy, water, wipes, and anything we needed was at their request. On the bus we met Tony who really became close with Alex. The other students didn't know as much english as Tony or failed to have the same interests. The kid was cool but became more Alex's friend than anyone else.

The Terra-cotta soldiers was great, but kinda diverted the idea of us mingling with the Chinese students. We really just stuck together going in random circles while cracking jokes.

*Jay was really quiet throughout the trip but really not just today but in general. I am concerned that he isn't comfortable socializing with the others. I on the other hand try to talk to everyone so that I am not stuck with someone who I know nothing bout. MINGLE!

After, we get back on the bus we we're on a 1 hour wait to the hotel which left more room for us to mess around and talk to Tony. We laughed and ate food not really concerned with the atmosphere between the two cultures. I feel at times like the difference in language leaves certain blockades between us getting closer. Sometimes I think they think we think that they are stupid ad vice versa. That kinda spoils the whole idea amongst connecting with the students. Often we talk to others and not those we should mingle with the most.

Dinner was at a nice Chinese restaurant in which the whole group had 3 rooms to themselves Me, Steve, and Jay were put in the adult Chinese room with all the guys. It was a bit of a disappointment being separated from the other kids, but got better as time went along.

Most of the dinner I spent talking to Steve and translating for Jay who was unable to eat the beef. Different dishes were brought to us to try and at each we were given first hand tries. I'm actually getting pretty good with the chopsticks and was bold to eat with them throughout dinner. Most of the meat was spicy yet at the same time sweet. We had a lot of beef, some veggies, and rice.

I talked to Steve the whole time through dinner sharing ideas about ITR&D, school, and the people we were eating with. Steve Rocks!

After a while we started to get stuffed and couldn't take much more food. We had cheers every time someone brought in a new dish. Dinner wasn't bad but was awkward because of the language barrier. On the walk back I talked to the others concerned with their meal and how they were experiencing the Chinese students. I'm pretty comfortable with all the American students and really glad I made a connection with Tony.

Can't wait to embark today's journey
Hector Guzman
7/5/08 6:54 am

This entry is actually one of the first I had shared from my journal and probably one of my better entries. It captures us meeting the Chinese students and the challenges yet opportunities that would come with this experience. Even after leaving China I still hold the same attitude trying to stay in touch with as many of the Chinese students as possible and with all my American comrades.

This experience has really taught me that you should always be open to others and willing to make friends. Things such as money, language, and other adversities really don't matter when you're with people who care about you.

Official Start Time: 11:53 pm
Date: 7/4/08
Official End Time: 12:23 am

Its been a while since I last wrote in my journal which leaves 2 days of recap and a lot to be discussed. A lot has gone down in the last couple of days so the entries may seem bizarre and should be taken with a grain of salt.

*Viewer Discretion has been advised.

So I will start with after breakfast on 7/3/08. Today we had an option on what we could do. The choice was between going to the Science and Technology Museum or visiting an art museum with Steve after a long walk. We all went on the Science and Technology Museum being protected from an unsatisfying trip with Steve.

The museum however was great! They had stuff about almost all types of science and countless exhibits on technology. The most major event was the food adventure which plays on the process through the GI track with a small Chinese boy.

*Around this point brewed issues amongst the group based on Hollister shirts and how's people feelings related to it.

After the food adventure we all kinda broke apart and visited different parts of the museum. I hung out the most with Tim and Steven getting short glimpses of Jay, Alex, Tori, or Jacey.

*Issue Explanation: The girls on the trip (Jacey and Tori) more Jacey really has the issue with Hollister which affects Alex and Jay thinking that they don't like them because of that. This is really going to far based on the fact that they still talk and understand the difference in their struggle. I honestly feel that there is no real issue to be discussed. The greater issue is having everyone connect. Jay and Alex are too sensitive and tense while the girls kinda live in their own world when confronted by people wanting to make friends. I think that we can get through this but have to act as friends and stick together throughout this adventure! CRAZY!!

After the museum we experienced the markets. As always the markets required money and brought conflict between us and the customer. A lot was and almost got us killed when Steve picks up a girl at McDonalds. The girl brings us to her shack of stole items locking us in the room. Steve instantly freaks out a makes a move for it until we finally get out of the place.

The market however did get me a nice necklace for $30 and a frame with my name on it. The shops with set prices were however a little better, but left me no chance to buy. Tim got a swatch while the rest drank sodas. Flies constantly attack you while on the way to the market. Some are vicious like Alex's experience and others simply won't budge.

The day basically ended with McDonalds and Jacey got sick. The day was dragged out with sniggering and weird conversations. I know I probably skimmed there a lot, but its getting late and breakfast awaits.

Wish me luck and
see you soon, Hector Guzman

7/5/08 12:23 am

So if this entry wasn't long enough for you there is still much left to be discussed as events and issue that were discussed could have had a better depiction.

To start the Science and Technology Museum could have had a better depiction. The museum did literally have something for each kind of science and went into such vivid detail in the fields of Biology and the study of animals in general. A whole floor was really dedicated to spiders along with floors dedicated to animals of the rain forest, fishes, and countless of other things. The place was just huge!

In reference to the issue that formed such a major obstacle in our relationship between school was something I predicted from the beginning. Alex and Jay felt from the beginning that Jacey was a bitch and would judge them on everything they do in the most negative of ways. I really could care less and wasn't going to define myself as a Waterbury boy or a traitor that hung out with all the Newtown kids.

On this trip I wanted to mingle with everyone and break down all walls and obstacles that would prevent this. Jacey and Alex however hated each other in general and felt that both were out to get each other . . . more Alex than Jacey was paranoid in this situation. However as time grew they learned to set aside their differences and actually learn from each other. That doesn't however mean that they didn't get into the occasional bitch fight over such superficial topics.

Finally, the market really was a great part of the trip. Bargaining wasn't really my field of expertise but we definitely got a lot of cool stuff. Something I really forgot to write about in this entry was how Jay became a leech and attached himself to my backpack throughout the market. We were Steve the whole time and almost did get killed but also got some cool stuff. The point when we almost did get killed was not in the shack with all the stolen stuff but returning to the bus and almost getting hit by a car while crossing the street. Jay obviously doesn't know how to turn and almost got us ran over.

However after considering all that happened this was really just the tip of the ice berg. The issues and events that took place are nothing to what will happen in the soon future. However I shall keep my head up high and write away my journey throughout China.

Official Start Time: 5:46 am
Date: 7/3/08
Official End Time: 6:07 am

Today's entry relates back to last night's dinner in which the mood of the meal was quite the unpleasant one.

I had stayed up for Alex & Jay to make sure that they got some food in their system. At dinner everyone looked miserable; tired and not really in the mood for any food.

Soon we began to eat and the table lost spirit little, by little, by little. Eventually we all returned to our rooms at which Alex fell asleep. I stayed up with Jay or a bit watching TV trying to get tired. The Mysterious Lady from Japan later came to our room with water soon after dinner and left me in quite the dazed mood that I soon fell asleep without noticing.

I was later startled by Steve and Alex at sometime that night in response to my insulin and how it needed to be refrigerated. Alex says that he was knocking really hard and that neither me or Jay really payed attention. Steve cam for my insulin and left with me being knocked out until 5 am when Alex awoke and was writing in his journal. As I had predicted those who went to bed early would awake hungry and eat everything in sight.

Alex got up and ate at least half of everything nibbling at whatever he could find. We started to talk about what we would write in journals and funny jokes along the way.

The day is young and it isn't till around 8 that we can actually go down and eat breakfast. Till then we will have to spend out time getting ready and harassing one another.

Talk to you soon, Hector Guzman
7/3/08 6:07 am

This journal entry has to be one of my shorter ones but captures some rather interesting points in the trip.

I noticed that in the beginning of the trip I had a ton of energy and noticed almost every detail that crossed by path. My entries focused more and more on the raw human spirit while still trying to be as analytical as possible making sure not to forget one incident. But most importantly my entries never captured well enough the people around me and what they were feeling or thinking.

Alex for instance has very few pages in my journal yet is famous for the eating frenzy he had on this day. If only you could have seen the frenzy that had taken place. It started with a simple granola bar that grew to Pringles and moved onto Doritos until there was nothing left in the room that was edible.

Other people that we're on the trip also could have had a better depiction as the role of student or teacher would soon be replaced with guardian. I can only hope for the best.

This entry captures the first day we we're in China from leaving the airport to dinner the first night. The first couple entries in my journal transcend rather well as later ones have so much elapsed time that certain scenes seemed left out.

Through the comments in the beginning or ending of each entry I hope to add additional information that may not have been written in my journal. There is only so much that can be written, but not enough can capture the emotions or memories left in my head.

Official Start Time: 5:03 pm
Date: 7/2/08
Official End Time: 5:44 pm

It has been quite a difference in time since I last wrote in my journal. I left the journal at around 9 am my time while in China it was more like 9 pm.

Hours passed while on the plane and entertainment and patience grew slim. Steve soon awoke and we began to talk and stretch in preparation for the flight still left to embark.

Things seemed to soon transcend upon one another as the countless hours were left to be embarked.

Around 4 am the plane began to land and I was only feet away to be the first member in my family to visit China. Check in and security was a drag and quite a scare to those whose passports where not secure. I plan to keep everything only feet away while on the trip to insure no major catastrophes.

Around 6 we were on the road to the motel capturing the sites and witnessing the beauty China had to offer. Complexes, buildings, and nature engulfed my eyes as I began to see the beautiful city of Shanghai. We finally got to the motel where we met our tour guide for the day, David. David is a cool guy who provided advise for us about China at breakfast that we were not suppose to attend.

*Steve was kinda ticked off not sure where we were.

David soon began around a quarter to 11 to show us the city and the history of the area. We started our journey with lunch in some random restaurant. At the restaurant we got a table for just the kids and learned little but something from the other kids. The urban to sub-urban has definitely been a factor between our relationship with the other kids. Our cliques amongst schools is something I would like to break in the hoops of gaining something in the trip.

As we began to eat the mood of the lunch matured revealing some differences, but at the same time our common will to laugh and be shocked at each others stories. The Crosby clan represents more of the ghetto side in this relationship versus the Newtown kids who represent the rich kids who have so many more opportunities. Adversities however are common in both groups and chain us together in a tango of blanks conversation and awkward stares.

*The chop sticks and etiquette at the lunch table greatly proved the difference between such social classes. Often throughout lunch I found the urge to talk to the other kids not wanting to form a blockade between the Crosby and Newtown kids. I thought this would maybe break down a few walls between us, but really left me in the middle going between both sides of the fold.

Lunch soon ended and changing our money into yuans was our next move. This process took longer than expected and consumed the rest of the day amongst friends. We later visited the TV Tower in which we took a long elevator thousands of feet high to catch the view of all of Shanghai. The view was amazing and got me at least 3 videos on the Flip.

The wax museum was one of the final things we did before coming to where I am right now. The museum was humongous and a bit of a drag because of a culture whose illustrations gave little aid to those who had no idea whatsoever. Eventually we got through and we grabbed a seat outside the museum to later meet up with the other passengers. Again we talked to David and showed him pictures of our trip thus far. David even showed us a picture of his girlfriend, but would still not tell us how to pick up girls in Chinese.

Talk to you soon, Hector Guzman
7/2/08 5:44pm

This entry still takes place on the plane and starts to show the evolution in my writing as the trip progresses. Usually in my post I will reflect before hand or after the entry. It could go either way but with the intent that you won't get lost in what I have to say.

Official Start Time: 9:35 am
Date: 7/1/08
Official End Time: 9:50 am

This entry starts at quite an askew moment seeing as the morning and breakfast have filled most of the time.

Last nights flight was great. Sleeping on the other hand was something different. I couldn't really get into the right spot and was too busy thinking to really get some rest . . around 5-5:20 however I think I fell asleep. Couldn't be sure because I do not remember starting nor ending; more likes my eyes were closed and my mind was awake. I do however have energy and drive to endure the rest of the ride.

The breakfast was ok; being a sandwich with some water. What was worst was the wait. The wait between waking up and seeing the lights come on. The lights are still off.

Over the past few hours my time has been diverted towards listening to music and blowing my nose. I think its the AC being poured into the room. Hopefully my nose clears up soon and I can be at ease for the rest of this trip.

Everyone right now is sleepy and have been sleeping to the point where I question if my level of energy is good or will later affect me negatively. Things however must remain positive. We are going for fun and will learn to communicate with the people of this country.

Not much is left to say about my trip to China thus far. 6 hours remain and my anxiety only grows more.

I think I will now listen to some music and then read a little mythology to pass the time.

Talk to you soon, Hector Guzman
7/1/08 9:50 am or at least I hope it is

Official Start Time: 2:25 am
Date: 7/1/08
Official End Time: 3:00 am

Today is my first day on my trip to China and has added quite the preface.

My day started at 9 am and was dragged until 10 am through getting ready for the trip and saying goodbyes.

*Side-notes:Some topics shall remain discrete for my own safety and the welfare of those around me.

Around two in the afternoon I began to spend time with the family, getting advise and best wishes the whole way around.

*Another Side-Note: I will ramble on throughout my trip, but bare with me; it sounds better in my head than on paper.

Around 6-6:30 the pressure starts to build and I soon enough find myself in NYC.

I am on the bridge and am marveled by my surroundings and the companioros (spanish for friends) I will have on my journey.

An hour passes and we eat. Soon Steve tells us to meet him and we are only moments away from boarding our flight.

The other passengers on this trip are just as great sharing a bond with us that faces the same adversities and what it means to be a student.

Tori is funny and reminds me of a young Miss Sullivan while her friend Jacey is bold and isn't afraid to speak her mind.

Tim is cool and weird in a cool way while Steve keeps to himself and provides insight that most wouldn't speak.

*Cool and wouldn't even have to talk in order for you to know it.

The adults are adults and keep order and conduct for those coming on the trip.

Now I am on the airplane on my way to China and can't wait to fill another few pages of this journal.

Before I leave I took out some time for the last 15 minutes for airline food. The food was great. Spicy and mild all in one. I had the chicken and rice with some drink and veggies. The veggies were really sweet along with the dessert that I decided not to eat to not take the risk. (diabetes)

We'll I'm talking to Jay and Steve now who chose to take his seat next to us.

Till Next Time, Hector Guzman
7/1/08 3:00am

As you can see this is one of many journal entries that I documented on my trip. The shape of the entries is a lot different from my journal as long paragraphs seem to shrink or just give odd shapes. In general I will try to not omit any information but may have a harder time doing so as the trip progresses and my entries change.

However I am an open book and am not afraid to share with friends things that have happened now or that may happen in the future.

This is the introduction to my journal and was written on the plane ride to China after an infuriating conversation with Jay. It is honestly irrelevant to the trip but gives a good capture of my way of thinking. In other words take it or leave it.

Official Start Time: (There wasn't one recorded at the moment)
Date: 7/1/08
Official End Time: 2:20 am

This journal captures the journey of Hector Guzman and his journey not only to China but to proving that adversity and influence play a major role in the development of the human mind, but not so much a role on the choices we make.

As a student I have grown my life on the basis that to be successful in life you must work hard and adapt to the changes that the world may take. The foundation we are provided with as children greatly affects the people we will become, but is not responsible for choices or paths we decided to make.

But enough cannot be controlled and enough cannot be left uncontrolled in a world that has so much to worry about. Often I look back at the models set by previous people and wonder what solution they could deceiver to the problems we often face today. Economy, Environment, and Energy have replaced Gold, God, and Glory in today's world and has hopefully modeled it to a more promising future.

I do not hold these beliefs to be standards for others to follow but as melodys that sooth my soul throughout my journey in life. Philosphy is meant to guide man in the decisions he makes, but not tell him that those are his only options.

Hector Guzman
7/1/08 2:20 am

Official Start Time: 12:05pm
Date: 7/20/08
Official End Time: 12:25pm